A handmade "Welcome China," sign alongside Hwy-21, Sept. 26. 2012 in Monroeville, Ala. Several of the same signs were placed up and down the highway to welcome Chinese guests to the Alabama China Partnership Symposium, held Sept. 26-27 at Alabama Southern Community College. (Press-Register, Ellen Mitchell)

MONROEVILLE, Alabama -- The Alabama China Partnership Symposium wrapped up today with a final push from the state's government and business leaders to attract Chinese companies to Alabama.

Alabama Secretary of Commerce, Greg Canfield, who spoke at the symposium on Wednesday, said the Department of Commerce was ready to assist Chinese businesses with anything from bridging cultural gaps to finding employees, should they chose Alabama as a site for their company.

"The scenario we have with your visit today and the remainder this week, is to extend an open hand of assistance and friendship," he said, speaking to the nearly 100 Chinese companies represented at the symposium.

Canfield said the state would help Chinese companies recruit and pre-screen employees, provide an incentive that would help reimburse companies for doing their own state-side hiring and training, and help with site selection as well as licenses and permits.

"I think that we're unlike many other states," Canfield said. "We put in a great deal of effort to create an environment that attracts foreign businesses and we engage in thoughtful, long-term dialogue. It doesn't happen overnight. We like to have familiarity, we like to build a relationship and we're patient people, for the most part."

Alabama Congressman Joe Bonner, who also spoke at the event, said there are many opportunities awaiting Chinese businesses in the state.

"It's not an accident that more than 400 companies from more than 30 countries have chosen Alabama as the place they wanted to plant their flag," he said. "We believe we can be successful working hand in hand with people that want to succeed. That's why this symposium, this partnership, is so important."

Bonner also said the opportunity to build a bridge and new relationships between the United States and China was never more important than it is now.

"There's a great respect between the United States and the people and China," he said. "There should never be a fear between those two countries. The repect should build the opportunities we all see."